Dear readers, I really hope you all enjoy this- just a heads up some parts in this story will be readable but won't make complete sense unless you have read the previous story Merlin and the sands of time. Feel free to look at my bio and read that first or just carry on with this one! Thank you and enjoy the story :)

Peace had rung out throughout the land for a year now. Arthur's second year in reign had been utterly successful- his people were devoted, his knights loyal and his manservant… Late. Then again- if Arthur were to think on the positive side this meant more time in bed. With a lazy grin, Arthur snuggled further into his duvet.

"WAKEY WAKEY!" Merlin's cheery tone snapped Arthur from his half-conscious daze.

"You're late" Arthur's muffled tone could be heard from the duvets.

"Ah, and good morning to you too sire." Merlin quipped back "Now- are you going to be able to untangle yourself from that mess, or…?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sure I'll be fine" Arthur assured him. He then attempted to get up, before promptly half falling out of the bed, the tangle of duvet leaving his head mere inches from the floor and his legs raised off the bed. Merlin immediately erupted into uncontrollable laughter, while the mighty Pendragon swiped his arms around madly in an attempt to untangle himself.

"Well help me, Merlin." Arthur ordered impatiently, so the hysterical manservant trotted over, took one hand and pulled sharply on a corner of the blanket. The duvet rolled out instantly, leaving a half-dazed, half-shocked Arthur slumped on the floor.

"And now your breakfast!" Merlin exclaimed, shoving some bread and cheese into his master's mouth while he was still slightly disorientated.

"Mewim!" Was the yelled response as food spat out from Arthur's mouth.

Scouring through the markets was always a fun task. Merlin had been asked to collect some more fabric for Arthur's new tunic. He knew Arthur had picked an easy chore for him; clearly the king was in a good mood, and so was Merlin. The stalls were full of colour and life- emerald greens moulded with fuzzy pinks as tangerines sparked out from deep blues. It was magical. Here was where everyone's individual lives joined, as the task of trading was set around much socialising. Smiles and laughs were present everywhere. Taking a moment to breathe in the buzzing life of the town, Merlin paused, closing his eyes for a second-

CRASH

A small, hooded man collided straight into Merlin. The boy's eyes shot open, posture suddenly tense and rigid.

"Oh, I am so so sorry" A creepy, sing song voice cooed.

"D-don't worry about it." Merlin replied, nervously curious as to why he recognised the voice.

"I hope you don't mind but I seemed to have dropped my pear. Could you get it for me? I wouldn't ask, it's just my limbs aren't what they used to be." The man requested.

"Of course" Merlin smiled. He still felt off about him, however he wouldn't refuse a favour. He bent down to pick up the pear, feeling its soft texture, and placed it into the man's basket. He was just withdrawing his hand when- slap! A hand came around his wrist, hastily pulling him down towards the man's face. The grip was surprisingly strong for such a seemingly old man.

"Listen Merlin. I'm giving you a little head start here. Camelot is definitely in danger." He giggled before continuing " I should know, because I'm the one who's gonna cause it." As Merlin tried to flinch away the man pulled him close, revealing his face to the manservant. Merlin was shocked. This pale, green face was one he hadn't ever expected to see again.

"Eernseth." He gasped.

"Glad you finally recognised me… I just hope that Camelot is as strong as you believe it is." With that the man spat out a laugh before whirling around and disappearing. Seemingly no-one else had been alerted to the event, and no trace had been left of Eernseth, only a small rotten pear rolled around the ground. Merlin picked it up, curious as to why the man had left it. The words "good luck" had been bitten into the flesh of the pear.

"I swear it to you Arthur, it was him." Merlin insisted for the third time.

"But Merlin- how?" The king asked, pacing his room.

"I don't know! All I know is that he left us with this." Merlin pulled the pear from his tunic, with the words 'good luck' facing the king.

"Of course- a year of peace would be too much to ask." The king said despondently. At this remark Merlin's face softened. Arthur may have been reluctant to believe him, but that was all with good reasons- Eernseth had not created the best of memories before, and Merlin still flinched slightly at the sight of sand.

"I don't want to believe it either Arthur, but it was him. He had me close enough to his face, and I'm sure we can both agree that one does not forget features like his." Merlin said, visibly cringing.

"He didn't hurt you did he?" Arthur asked, his hand subconsciously reaching for his sword.

"No, no, slight grip on my wrist but I think he was mainly there to deliver a message; that Camelot is in danger."

"You're kidding!" Gwaine blurted out "There is no way that slime of a man was in Camelot."

"I'm afraid so Gwaine" Merlin confirmed.

"Because clearly he didn't cause enough damage last time." Leon added with an edge to his voice.

"But we beat him last time; I'm sure we can do it again." Merlin encouraged.

"You bet! This time round, Eernseth's gonna wish he never messed with us in the first place."

The round table meeting hadn't gone on for very long, but preparations were already being made as people tried to defend against whatever Eernseth could throw at them.

"Right okay, the night watchmen will be doubled, as well as the security coming into the castle. I'd say we should cleanse and make ready all weaponry for easy access." Arthur suggested.

"I agree your highness, and another suggestion would be the evacuation of the lower town."

"Ah yes Leon, we would need to make easy exits." Arthur agreed.

"Maybe if we had patrols around there with mapped out routes as to where the people should be taken." Percival put forward.

"Good one Percy!" Gwaine complimented "Although I would suggest that the castle still keeps some defences for itself- knowing that creepy bloke he'll want to strike the heart." Gwaine added.

"Okay, well put everyone. The roles were given out earlier, so if you could all complete your individual duties then report back. This meeting is closed." Arthur concluded as chairs scuffed and small talk was made as everyone made their way from the room.

"Seems like we have a strong plan Arthur" Merlin commented.

"I can only hope it'll be enough" Arthur spoke, eyes looking doubtful.

Placing a hand on the worrying King's shoulder, Merlin did his best to comfort him. "We got through this last time Arthur, and that was when there were only 4 of us. But now he has the whole of Camelot against him, and you know how loyal your citizens are. He doesn't stand a chance." Receiving a small smile from Arthur, Merlin grinned back. They were both all too ready to get this over and done with.

However getting it over and done with was taking a lot longer than both boys wanted…